PSEO/CHS Information

Eleventh and 12^th-grade students may take PSEO courses on a full- or part-time basis. Each participating college or university sets its own admissions requirements for enrollment into the PSEO courses.

Tenth-grade students are eligible to enroll in one Career and Technical Education (CTE) course if they receive a reading proficiency score of “meets” or “exceeds” on the 8^th grade MCA.

• If a 10^th-grade student did not take the MCA in 8^th grade, another reading assessment accepted by the enrolling postsecondary institution can be substituted.
• For students with disabilities, there is an alternative option to demonstrate reading proficiency.
  • Instructions to Submit a Reasonable Modification Request for 10th Graders with a Disability
• A 10^th-grade student who enrolls in one CTE course and earns at least a grade C in the first term of enrollment, may take additional postsecondary courses in the subsequent term, not limited to CTE. 
• Access the list of postsecondary institutions offering approved CTE courses to 10^th grade students.

If the district/charter school determines a student is academically not on track to graduate, the student may continue to participate in PSEO on a term-by-term basis beyond their cohort graduation date.

For more information, please check:

Link to MDE 10th Grade (CTE Pathway) PSEO Info

Eligible Institutions

By statute definition, postsecondary institutions must be located in Minnesota and approved by the Minnesota Department of Education to offer PSEO. A postsecondary institution must make a request in writing to the commissioner of education asking to be recognized as an approved institution for participation in the PSEO program. Along with the request, the institution must submit its mission statement, PSEO course catalog (including course descriptions), and any other information required by the commissioner.
 

• Each participating college and university setting their own requirements for enrollment into the PSEO courses and programs. 
• Students are allowed to take eligible courses from more than one eligible institution during the same term. 

Eligible Courses

• PSEO courses must be nonsectarian courses or programs at eligible postsecondary institutions. Postsecondary institutions may not claim reimbursement for courses that are determined to be sectarian in nature, specifically those that: 1) prepare students to become ministers of a particular religion, enter a religious vocation, or prepare them to teach theological subjects; 2) are based upon one particular set of religious beliefs; 3) propagate or promote any one religious belief or viewpoint. 
• PSEO courses cannot be developmental or remedial unless it is part of a State-Approved Early/Middle College Program.
• Specific requirements apply for courses in the 10th-grade Career Technical Education (CTE) Pathway. Access the PSEO for 10th Graders (CTE Pathway).

Participating Postsecondary Institutions 
A list of postsecondary institutions approved to participate in the PSEO program. Please contact each campus directly for specific PSEO program information.

• Students must meet the PSEO eligibility requirements by grade level and abide by participation limits outlined in the PSEO Reference Guide (download above). All students should meet with their high school counselor to discuss eligibility, graduation requirements and the benefits and risks of enrolling in the PSEO program.
• Interested and eligible 10th-, 11th- and 12th-grade students should contact the postsecondary institution to find out about their admissions requirements, which courses are offered, and what the application process and timeline is at that institution.
• All students must complete the PSEO Notice of Student Registration (NOSR) for the school year and term during which they intend to enroll.

Access PSEO NOSR forms on the MDE School Finance Page. 

Inform your District/School of your Intent to Enroll by May 30 and October 30

Public school students are required to inform their district of their intent to enroll in PSEO courses during the following school year by May 30 (for fall enrollment) and October 30 (for spring enrollment). If public school students do not notify the enrolling district by May 30 or October 30 and the enrolling district does not waive this deadline on the PSEO Notice of Student Registration, the family may be responsible for the postsecondary tuition expense.

Tuition, Books, & Fees

There is no charge to PSEO students for tuition, books or fees for items that are required to participate in a course; however, students may incur fees for equipment that becomes their property when the course or program is completed, textbooks that are not returned to the postsecondary institution according to their policies, or for tuition costs if they do not notify the district by May 30 or October 30 and the district does not waive the date requirement.

Transportation Reimbursement Available for Qualified Students

Funding is available to help pay transportation expenses for qualifying students to participate in PSEO courses on college campuses. For more information on these funds, access the PSEO Mileage Reimbursement Program Instructions.

Contact Information

If you have any questions regarding the Application for Student Transportation Reimbursement, the Student Transportation Reimbursement Report, the Monthly Transportation Reimbursement Request or the Postsecondary Enrollment Options Mileage Reimbursement Program email the transportation email (pupiltransportation.mde@state.mn.us).

Enrolling in a PSEO course does not prohibit a student from participating in activities sponsored by the high school.

High schools are required to provide access to space and technology during the core school day -- if needed -- for a student to participate in PSEO, but may not require students to attend the high school during online PSEO courses or remain in the high school for a specific amount of time. Students are expected to follow safety guidelines and school policy for leaving and entering the school building.

PSEO students must provide the school with a copy of their grades in each PSEO course.

Districts must transcript high school credits earned through PSEO by a ratio prescribed in statute. Districts have the authority to decide which subject area and standards the PSEO course meets. If there is a dispute between the district and the student regarding the number of credits granted for a particular course, the student may appeal the board's decision to the commissioner. The commissioner's decision regarding the number of credits will be final. Grade weighting policies for PSEO courses vary by district/charter school.

Postsecondary institutions are required to allow PSEO students to enroll in online courses consistent with the institution’s policy regarding postsecondary student enrollment in online courses.

For current information about the PSEO program, visit the Minnesota Department of Education’s Postsecondary Enrollment Options (PSEO) webpage.